Method of communicating with a plurality of sets of users

Abstract

An access point ( 100 ) transmits at least a first set of parameters intended for a first set of users ( 102 ) and a second set of parameters intended for a second set of users ( 104 ). The access point communicates with the first set of users during a first time period and communicates with the second set of users during a second time period, wherein the first time period and the second time period are exclusive of each other. Moreover, the first time period and the second time period lapse prior to the AP transmitting a next set of parameters intended for the first set of users.

We claim:  
     
       1. A method comprising the steps of: 
       transmitting at least a first set of parameters intended for a first set of users and a second set of parameters intended for a second set of users;  
       communicating with the first set of users during a first time period;  
       communicating with the second set of users during a second time period; and  
       transmitting a next set of parameters intended for the first set of users,  
       wherein the first time period and the second time period are exclusive of each other, and wherein the first time period and the second time period lapse prior to the step of transmitting the next set of parameters intended for the first set of users.  
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1  wherein each set of parameters is conveyed in a beacon message. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1  wherein a time interval between transmitting the first set of parameters and transmitting the next set of parameters defines a superframe, and wherein the steps of communicating are completed prior to the end of the superframe. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of communicating with the first set of users is at a first frequency, and wherein the step of communicating with the second set of users is at a second frequency. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1  wherein the first set of users operates in a full duplex mode, and wherein the second set of users operates in a half-duplex mode. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1  wherein the first set of user and the second set of users each comprise at least one mobile station. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of communicating with the first set of users and the step of communicating with the second set of users is at a common frequency. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1  wherein both the first time period and the second time period are segmented into a non-contentious period and a contentious period, which are exclusive of each other. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of setting a timer upon transmission of the first set of parameters intended for the first set of users, and wherein the next set of parameters intended for the first set of users is transmitted upon expiration of the timer. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of setting a timer upon transmission of the first set of parameters intended for the first set of users, and wherein one of the steps of communicating ends and the other step of communicating begins upon expiration of the timer. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 1  wherein at least a portion of the steps are implemented in hardware. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 1  wherein at least a portion of the steps are implemented in software. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 1  further comprising the steps of: 
       transmitting a third set of parameters intended for a third set of users; and  
       communicating with the third set of users during a third time period,  
       wherein the third time period is exclusive of the first time period and the second time period, and wherein the third time period lapses prior to the step of transmitting the next set of parameters intended for the first of users.  
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 1  wherein the first set of parameters and the second set of parameters are different. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 1  wherein the first set of parameters and the second set of parameters are the same. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 1  wherein the first set of parameters and the next set of parameters are different. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 1  wherein the first set of parameters and the next set of parameters are the same. 
     
     
       18. A storage medium having stored thereon a set of instructions which, when loaded into a microprocessor, causes the microprocessor to perform the following functions: 
       transmitting at least a first set of parameters intended for a first set of users and a second set of parameters intended for a second set of users;  
       communicating with the first set of users during a first time period;  
       communicating with the second set of users during a second time period; and  
       transmitting a next set of parameters intended for the first set of users, wherein the first time period and the second time period are exclusive of each other, and wherein the first time period and the second time period lapse prior to the step of transmitting the next set of parameters intended for the first set of users.